Introductory Rides

Introductory rides are designed to help cyclists become familiar with group riding. Introductory rides are not “required” for any other club rides, but may provide a stepping stone for some riders. In a usual year, Introductory rides are every other Saturday during the early, i.e. May and June, weeks of the season. During the 2-3 hour session, ride leaders discuss general bike safety, group riding etiquette, and necessary items (helmet, water, spare inner tube, pump/cartridge). After the short discussion, riders form into 1-3 groups according to riding ability, pace and experience and go for a ride of 10-20 miles. During the ride, leaders provide advice on riding safety, skills and efficiency–after all, it is always more fun to bike farther with less work! The rides start from the Wheeler Dirt Lot at 1707-1713 Swift St. in South Burlington (see map). Rides are held in good and mildly inclement weather, however severely inclement weather cancels the ride; contact the ride leader if in doubt. No membership or preregistration is required, just show up at the start! General questions about the introductory rides may be directed to Phyl, the touring chairperson, the webmaster, or the ride leader for the specific day(s) you plan to attend.

Introductory Ride Schedule, 2017

For additional information including contact information for the ride leaders please see specific ride on the Events calendar. All Introductory Rides are on Saturdays and may share a start location (but usually not start time) with the Saturday Training Rides.

Saturday Training Rides

The GMBC Saturday (VP) rides are longer rides compared to the evening training rides. Routes vary each week and often have significant climbs. Groups (12 or fewer) form based on estimated average speed. The emphasis is on sharing the road and riding responsibly while getting a good workout on the bike. Specifics for each ride (e.g. start time, weather, parking) are announced through the GMBC email list.

Are these rides for me? These rides are recommended for people with some experience riding in a group. Serious effort (within each individual’s ability) is expected, but these rides are for anyone who likes a good workout and is able to maintain at least a 15 mph average, i.e. non-racers welcome! The riders regroup at a few key points and usually try to avoid leaving anyone behind. If you want a faster, strictly racer/hammerhead ride, consider the Tuesday Evening Training Ride. Another alternative for both fast riders who want a break from climbing App Gap, as well as riders who prefer a more moderate pace and distance are the Touring Rides (usually on Sundays). Touring rides typically become longer and have more climbing as the season progresses.

Start times vary during the year. Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

2018 Annual Meeting & Potluck

The annual GMBC club potluck & members meeting is planned for Sunday, November 11th in Williston. It will be held at Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Gathering time will be around 5pm. All club members are invited.

If you are interested in getting involved in helping run the club, please contact Kevin Bessett. We’d love to have you!

If you are unfamiliar with this event, the evening starts off with dining on great food that folks bring, which is washed down with spirited and non-spirited drinks that GMBC provides, followed by the meeting. The meeting format is typically something like what follows

The schedule for the evening:

5-ish gathering time

5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – The feast (potluck, with drinks provided by the club)

6:30 pm onward -Meeting time (and feel free to get more drink or desert!)

The meeting includes:

Club committee summaries of the season

Election of officers

Time Trial awards

General discussion

Please contact Kevin if you have any questions.

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Tues Training Rides

Looking for a weekly training ride to get the blood pumping? The GMBC Tuesday evening training rides travel through Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington and Williston mostly on roads with light to mild traffic.

Is this training ride for me? Tuesday’s ride is for racers and/or hammer-heads. If you can maintain 18+ mph for 1.5+ hours, you’ll be fine. There will be areas of pace-line at 25+ mph on flats and regrouping points. Consider the Wednesday night ride if this ride is not to your liking.

Start times vary during the year (because of the sunset)!! Riding with front and rear lights is recommended all season.

Early season (through April): on the road at 5:30 PMor earlier

Prime season (May through August): on the road at 6:00 PM

Late season (September until ??): on the road at 5:30 PM or earlier

Bad weather (current or imminent): most likely cancels ride

Disclaimer: Ride at your own risk. GMBC provides guidance on safe group riding and sharing the road, but assumes no liability. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to Vermont laws.

GMBC is volunteer-based and sometimes volunteers cannot make the ride. This may lead to groups not being formed and the lack of regrouping points on the ride. We encourage you to talk before the ride, form groups, talk about safety and have a great ride!

Where to Start, Park, and Ride

Parking/Start – In the field below the Old Round Church in Richmond (see map). Do not park on the paved road next to the Round Church

Rides vary. Links to some routes are listed below but become familiar with the roads beforehand in case of separation from the group. If you decide to drop out or change your route, let someone know beforehand.